Danielle's Story

Danielle and her Mom, Amber

At age two and a half, Danielle was diagnosed with a rare, stage three, bone tumour called a PPNET (Primitive Peripheral Neuro-ectodermal Tumour), behind her left eye. Danielle underwent neurosurgery to remove 75% of the tumour, and one more surgery to implant a Hickman Broviac catheter (this procedure was repeated twice). 9 days later we began her 58-week protocol of aggressive Chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments. This led to multiple infections and numerous transfusions over the course of her 1+ year in hospital.

Danielle beat all odds, and, 14 years later, she can stand proud as a cancer survivor! However, aggressive treatments like the ones Danielle had at the critical development stages of 2-4 years old, caused many challenges for her in the years to come.

Since her last Chemotherapy treatment in May 1999, Danielle has been followed annually in clinics at CHEO (Ottawa) and Sick Children's (Toronto), to monitor her development and complete restorative procedures necessary for her to move forward as the developing young lady that she is today. She has overcome many medical, academic and physical barriers and crossed many milestones since, as she became highly involved in sports community and school groups and been part of a mission to support children and families in third world countries. As a survivor of 14 years, she continues to be seen annually in 8 clinics at CHEO and since 2009, two clinics at Sickkids hospital in Toronto where she has had four reconstructive surgeries to repair the cranial, facial and orthodontic damage as a result of the radiation treatments. In addition, she has undergone cataract surgery and Optic Lens Replacement, Opthamolic Laser surgeries, Ear and Cardio surgeries.

Currently, she is in the process of oral reconstruction at CHEO and has completed two of the three surgeries required to remove all of her adult teeth (as her roots did not develop due to the radiation), reconstruct her upper jawbone and place implants before adding the bridges in hopes of reverting back to a ‘normal’ diet by 2014.

She also requires daily hyperbaric treatments, before and after each surgery, at the Ottawa General Hospital Campus. She has had 50 treatments thus far to increase oxygen levels in her blood and enhance the tissue reproduction in hopes of the irradiated bone accepting the implants The doctors are very pleased with her progress thus far!

The cost estimate to complete this course of treatment is in the $60,000 range! These treatments are not covered by any government or private health insurance. That is a heavy financial burden for any family to bear.

Danielle is now a vibrant 18 year old. The Rotary Club of Eganville also believes that Danielle deserves the dignity of a healthy smile, and the pleasure of selecting meals according to what she wants, not what she can chew. To that end a fundraising golf tournament was held June 15th 2013. See the results on the 'charity golf' page

2013’s
event saw 96 golfers tee-off for the annual charity event held at Indian River
Golf Course, Pembroke. The sky was clear and the temperature perfect for
golfing! An additional 30+ people came in for a BBQ supper.

The proceeds this year go to help with the cost of the dental rehabilitation of
Danielle (see Danielle's Story) Her family is facing costs estimated
at $60,000.00 to complete her course of treatment started some
14 years ago. The then 2 1/2 year old Danielle was
diagnosed with a rare bone tumour behind the left eye. Her
treatments lasted more than a year. Despite a dim prognosis, Danielle
beat the odds.
However, when she received the radiation and chemotherapy treatment, she
was a growing child. Damage was done to growth centres which
needed many corrective surgeries. The family is still facing
monstrous medical bills that are no longer covered by private or
government insurance. Rotary was asked to help.

After all was said and done, just short of $7300.00 was raised. These
funds are being used to pay an outstanding medical
bill. The balance will to be held in trust by the
doctors and be applied to cost of future surgeries. Much
thanks go to a generous community!